Three Saints In Ireland Squad For U17 Euro Qualifiers

St Patrick's Athletic players Brian Maher, Luke Nolan and Richie O'Farrell have been named in the Ireland U17 squad for next week's UEFA U17 Championships Elite Qualifying Round Group 8 tournament in Cyprus.

The Irish team face the Faroe Islands, Slovakia and hosts Cyprus with the eight group winners and seven runners-up with the best record against the teams first and third in their section advancing to the finals to join the hosts Croatia.

Brian, Luke and Richie have all been regulars in the Ireland squad this season, having helped the St Pat's U17s win the SSE Airtricity League Elite Division title last season.

Head Coach Colin O'Brien has been speaking to FAI.IE and insists his side will be taking nothing for granted as they head to the Mediterranean island next week.

"All the countries at this stage of the competition see a massive prize in front of them, which is trying to qualify for the finals."

"We'll have to be focused in everything we do on the training pitch and in the games. We are happy with our preparation. We got through the first phase, had assessments and training games before Christmas then two friendly games in Spain last month."

O'Brien says the competition for places in the squad has been a great help in their preparations.

"At the start of the season we aimed to have a competitive squad and it has stood to us. Three games in six days is very demanding on young players so its unlikely we'll have the same 11 on the pitch every game. We could be playing in 22-24 degrees too which is something we'll have our work done for. Cyprus will have the advantage being the home side obviously."

The boss is adamant that Ireland will take nothing for granted heading into the tournament.

"Some people might look at a group like this and dismiss certain opponents but in youth football any country could develop a crop of players at a certain age group and it may mean nothing in regards to their senior rankings," he added.

"Everything is geared towards game one while we'll have work done on the other opponents. We'll want a good start but the reality is that we can't underestimate any of our opponents."

Best Of Luck

Saints U17 Manager Jamie Moore is delighted that the three boys are in the squad.

"We are all really happy for Brian, Richie and Luke. They deserve their place in the Ireland squad based on their performances both for club and country over the last while. Ireland have real momentum now and have been winning games on a consistent basis over the last eight months and I think they've got a really good chance of qualifying."

"For us as a club to have three players in the 18 man squad is great. Cian Lee and Ryan Burke are also on standby and are unlucky not to be in the squad. All of the boys both in and out of the Ireland squad need to keep doing their stuff every week to stay in international contention and I've no doubt they'll do that."

"Myself and all of the staff and players at the club would like to wish Colin O'Brien and his squad the very best of luck in Cyprus."